CN106687020A - surface cleaning device - Google Patents

Abstract

A surface cleaning apparatus (10) comprising: a water storage container (12); a steam generator comprising a heating element (20); a pump (30) for supplying water (13) from the storage container (12) to the steam generator (20), wherein the pump (30) and the steam generator (20) are connected by a first fluid passage (34); a second fluid pathway (42) for directing steam from the steam generator (20) to a cleaning head or outlet aperture of the device (50); wherein the apparatus (10) comprises a first device (40) for blocking the second fluid passage (42), the first device (40) being movable between a blocking position and an open position, and wherein the apparatus (10) comprises a second device (60) located within the first fluid passage (34), the second device (60) allowing the water (13) to flow only in a direction towards the steam generator (20).

Description

surface cleaning device

technical field

The invention relates to a surface cleaning device. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning surfaces such as floors or walls using a steam source.

Background technique

The use of steam cleaners to clean floors and other surfaces is well known. For use in cleaning floor surfaces, steam cleaners typically have a cleaning head comprising a body that can be moved by the user over the surface to be cleaned, the body being adapted to be carried as a fabric/textile or other material having steam permeable and absorbent properties or carry cleaning elements comprising fabrics/textiles or other materials with vapor permeable and absorbent properties. Steam (or very hot water) is ejected from the body and passed through the cleaning elements to contact the surface to be cleaned, thereby loosening soil from the surface. Dirty water from condensation of steam on the surface is absorbed by the cleaning element. However, a cleaning head is not required. Instead, the steam holes may be provided for "spot" cleaning or similar purposes, or for connection to a cleaning implement.

In order to enable the cleaning head to be maneuvered over the surface to be cleaned, the cleaning head may be attached to the wand and be supplied with steam from a separate steam generator through a hose. Alternatively, the stick itself may be provided with a steam generator and water supply to form a self-contained steam cleaning device, sometimes referred to as a "stick" or "mop" type steam cleaner. In the example of a handheld steam cleaner, steam is generated within the unit and exits from a nozzle to which a stick and/or implement is attached.

A steam generator for such devices typically includes a water storage container (eg, a tank that is filled with water by the user), an electric pump (controlled by a user-operable switch), and a heating element. Hand pumps can be used as an alternative to electric pumps. In use, water is pumped from the tank to the heating element where it is then heated. The resulting steam (or very hot water) is then passed from the heating element to the surface to be cleaned.

Typically, the steam generators used in these types of surface cleaning devices do not provide a source of pressurized steam. When the user no longer needs the steam source (eg, they have finished cleaning), the user presses or releases the appropriate switch on the device to disconnect power to the electric pump. However, water that has been supplied to the heating element from the storage tank continues to flow to the cleaning head or outlet aperture and will be heated, at least to some extent, by residual heat within the heating element. This "lag" after the pump is stopped causes the steam or very hot water to leave the device at the cleaning head or outlet orifice some time after the pump is stopped.

Contents of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a surface cleaning device is provided, comprising:

water storage containers;

steam generators, including heating elements;

a pump for supplying water from the storage container to the steam generator, wherein the pump and the steam generator are connected by a first fluid passage;

a second fluid passage for directing steam from the steam generator to the cleaning head or outlet port of the device;

wherein the device includes a first device for blocking the second fluid pathway, the first device being movable between a blocked position and an unblocked position; and

Where the device includes a second device located within the first fluid passage, the second device allows water to flow only in a direction towards the steam generator.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a surface cleaning device is provided, comprising:

water storage containers;

a steam generator comprising a heating element;

a pump for supplying water from the storage container to the steam generator; and

a first fluid passage for directing steam from the steam generator to the cleaning head or outlet port of the device;

Wherein the device comprises a device movable between a first state and a second state, wherein in the first state the device allows steam to flow from the steam generator to the cleaning head or the outlet aperture, and wherein in the second state the device only Allow steam to flow from the steam generator to the water storage container or another container/chamber.

Other characteristics of the two aspects of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Description of drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning device according to an embodiment of the first and second aspects of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of internal components of the surface cleaning device of Figure 1 according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention; and

Figure 3 is another schematic illustration of components of the device of Figure 1 according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention.

detailed description

The figures show a surface cleaning device 10 according to the invention. The device 10 has a floor cleaning head 50 which is pivotally connected to a handle 11 which can be grasped by a user. Attached to the user-graspable handle are a water storage container 12 and a housing 18 . Housing 18 houses steam generator 20 , a pump for supplying water from storage container 12 to steam generator 20 , and a fluid passage 42 connecting the output of the steam generator to cleaning head 50 . While FIG. 1 shows a surface cleaning device 10 embodying the invention, it should be understood that the invention may be implemented in other forms of surface cleaning devices. In particular, while the handle 11 is pivotally connected to the head 50, it need not be so connected (eg, it could be rigidly connected). Additionally, the water storage container 12 and housing 18 may be supported directly on the floor cleaning head 50 rather than being attached to the handle 11 . Furthermore, the device may have an outlet hole through which the steam exits the device, rather than a cleaning head. The outlet aperture may or may not be connected to a cleaning tool or the like. Furthermore, the present invention may be embodied as a hand-held steam cleaning device or as a device having a modular construction, allowing the device to be used as a hand-held cleaning device or as an upright cleaning device.

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a schematic diagram of the layout and connection of internal components according to one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. As previously mentioned, the device 10 includes a water storage container 12 for storing a volume 13 of water. Typically, the water storage container 12 is removable so that it can be filled and/or emptied by a user. However, it should be understood that the water storage container 12 is not necessarily removable from the rest of the device 10 . In this embodiment, the water storage container 12 is configured such that when the user completely fills the water storage container 12 (as much as possible), there will remain a volume 14 in the upper portion of the container 12 . The purpose of this volume 14 will become apparent from the description below. The water storage container 12 is open to the atmosphere and includes suitable holes (not shown) therein for this purpose. This hole is covered by a hydrophobic filter in order to prevent water from escaping from the container 12 (eg when the container is inverted) but at the same time allow the container 12 to be properly vented.

The device comprises a pump 30 connected to the water storage container 12 via the water outlet access fitting 15 . An outlet 32 of the pump 30 is fluidly connected via a first fluid passage 34 to a steam generator comprising a heating element 20 (there may be more than one heating element) located within the housing. A pump draws water from the water storage container 12 and supplies the water to the heating element 20 as is known in the art. The heating element 20 heats the water to a temperature at which the water turns into steam. Hot water and/or steam exit the housing of the steam generator through an outlet 22 connected to a second fluid passage 42 (for directing steam to a cleaning head 50). It will be noted that located between the outlet 22 and the second fluid passage 42 is a first blocking device 40 for blocking the passage of fluid between the outlet 22 and the second fluid passage 42 . The blocking device 40 is movable between a blocking position and an unblocking position, and in this particular embodiment is provided by a solenoid valve (but it could also be a manually operated valve, such as a ball valve). The purpose of the blocking device 40 is to prevent hot water and/or steam from flowing through the second fluid passage 42 to the cleaning head 50 .

The device also includes a further second device 60 located within the first fluid passage 34 . A second device 60 (in this embodiment a one-way "check" valve) allows water 13 to flow only in the direction towards the steam generator. The purpose of the one-way valve 60 is to prevent water from flowing back from the steam generator 20 to the pump 30 . The first fluid passage 34 includes a first portion 34a between the pump 30 and the second device 60 . The first part 34a is releasably connected to the pump 30 and the one-way valve 60 . The releasable connection includes protruding formations (not shown) on the pump 30 and the one-way valve 60 which are received in corresponding receiving formations at either end of the first portion 34a of the first fluid passage 34. (not shown). In this embodiment, the first portion 34a of the first fluid passage 34 is a flexible tubing (but it could be a rigid tubing, for example with deformable sections at each end) that is pushed through a socket and one-way protruding from the pump 30. Socket on valve 60 (i.e. push fit). It should be understood that in some embodiments, the first portion 34a may only have a releasable connection to either the pump 30 or to the one-way valve 60 (not both). Additionally, containment formations may be on the pump 30 and on the one-way valve 60 that receive respective ends of the first portion (tubing) 34a.

Operation of the device 10 and its internal components is accomplished through user operable switches 80, 81 (shown schematically in Figure 2). A switch 81 provides a connection from a power source (such as mains or batteries) to the heating element 20 . Once activated, it will take some time (a few seconds) for the heating element 20 to reach operating temperature. Switch 80 provides connections from a power source (such as mains or batteries) to pump 30 and solenoid valve 40 so that these components are operated simultaneously or at short intervals. However, it should be understood that separate user-operable switches may be provided to control the operation of the pump 30 and the solenoid valve 40 separately.

The operation of the device 10 is as follows. If the user wishes to use the device 10 , he/she needs to press/actuate the switch 80 . This supplies power to the heating elements 20 so that the heating elements are heated to their operating temperature. The switch 80 also enables power to be supplied to the pump 30 (albeit in some cases after a period of time allowing the heating element 20 to reach operating temperature has elapsed). A pump 30 supplies water 13 from the storage vessel 12 to the heating element 20, which heats the water until it approaches boiling point and/or turns into steam. Hot water and/or steam exit the housing housing the heating element 20 and pass through the solenoid valve 40 to the cleaning head 50 . Operation of the switch 80 is configured such that the solenoid valve 40 is moved to the open state at least as early as when power is supplied to the pump 30 . The user may then move device 10 over the surface to be cleaned.

When the user decides to finish using the device 10 (or indeed if encountering a power failure to the device 10), the switch 80 (or due to a lack of power to the device 10) prevents the pump 30 from operating and removes the power supply to the heating element 20. Furthermore, the lack of power supply to the solenoid valve 40 ensures that the solenoid valve 40 automatically moves to its closed position, preventing hot water and/or steam from leaving the device via the cleaning head 50 .

However, the heating element 20 will take some time to lose its heat and thus any water contained within the housing for the heating element 20 will continue to be heated. In prior art devices, this hot water and/or steam will continue to leave the cleaning head even when the user decides to stop using the device. Advantageously, however, the configuration of the present invention (such as the placement of solenoid valve 40) ensures that once the user closes the device at switch 80, or the device loses power, no or very little hot water and/or steam will be released. Leaves the device 10 through the cleaning head 50 (because it is blocked by the solenoid valve 40).

Although in the present invention a solenoid valve is used as the solenoid valve 40 for blocking the outlet of the housing housing the heating element 20, it will be appreciated that other types of blocking devices may be used. Preferably, in the absence of power supply to the valve, the valve will move to its closed (ie blocked) state. If the blocking device 40 is a manually operated valve, it is preferably connected to a "dead man's" lever/handle, eg by a linkage, such that the device 40 closes when the user releases the lever/handle.

When the device 10 is turned off/de-energized, and the valve 40 is closed, the water contained in the housing containing the heating element 20 is continuously heated (even if the heating element 20 does not have a power supply). Create a buildup of pressure. This results in a build-up of pressure in the portion of the first fluid passage 34 between the valve 40 and the steam generator. Advantageously, however, the pump 30 and the pipe 34a are protected from the pressure rise due to the one-way valve 60 . This ensures that the connection between the tubing 34a and the pump 30 is not detached (as it might be if the check valve 60 were not present). This has the advantage that flexible tubing and a push-fit connection can still be used within the first part 34a of the first fluid passage 34 . Manufacturing costs can thus be kept to a minimum as there is no need to reinforce the connection to the pump, which means that off-the-shelf pumps/fittings/pipes can be used.

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a schematic diagram of the layout and connection of internal components according to one embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention. Features in this embodiment that are identical/similar to those already described above are given the same reference numerals (but superscripted).

The surface cleaning device 10' has a floor cleaning head 50' which is pivotally connected to a user graspable handle 11'. Attached to the user-graspable handle are a water storage container 12' and a housing 18'. The housing 18' houses the steam generator 20', a pump for supplying water from the storage container 12' to the steam generator 20', and a fluid passage 42' connecting the output of the steam generator to the cleaning head 50'. As noted above, the water storage container 12' includes a volume 14' and an aperture (not shown). This hole prevents water from escaping from the container 12', but at the same time allows the container 12' to be ventilated properly.

The device comprises a pump 30' connected to the water storage container 12' via a water outlet access fitting 15'. An outlet 32' of the pump 30' is fluidly connected to a steam generator comprising a heating element 20' located within the housing (more than one heating element may be present). As described with respect to the first aspect of the invention, the pump 30' draws water from the water storage container 12' and supplies the water to the heating element 20'. The heating element 20' heats the water to at least near boiling point, and preferably causes the water to turn into steam. Hot water and/or steam exit the housing of the steam generator 20' via an outlet 22' connected to a first fluid passage 42' (for directing steam to the cleaning head 50'). It will be noted that located between the outlet 22' and the first fluid passage 42' is a first device 90' in the form of a two-way solenoid valve. However, it should be understood that mechanical two-way valves could also be used (eg ball valves). The two-way valve 90' is movable between a first state and a second state. The first state allows steam to flow from the steam generator to the cleaning head of the device 50 . The second state only allows steam to flow from the steam generator to the water storage container 12' or the further container/chamber 92' via the additional second fluid passage 94'. In this embodiment, the second fluid passageway 94' is flexible tubing (but it could be any type of tubing/pipe, such as rigid tubing).

In some embodiments, an additional container/chamber 92' may be connected to the water storage container 12' via an additional third fluid passage 98' to allow collected water to return to the water storage container 12'.

A second fluid passage (tubing) 94' is connected to the water storage container 12' or another container/chamber 92', wherein the second fluid passage (tubing) 94' extends into the water storage container 12' or the other container/chamber 92' some distance (see Figure 4). It will be seen from Figures 3 and 4 that the second fluid pathway 94' connecting the first device 90' to the water storage container 12' or another container/chamber 92' terminates in the volume 14' of the water storage container 12' Inside (or the volume 96' of the additional container/chamber 92'), the volume 14' (or the volume 96' of the additional container/chamber 92') will not contain water 13' in normal use. This is advantageous because any fluid that passes through the second fluid passage 94' can be received by the empty space 14'/96' in the water storage container 12' or in the additional container 92'. To ensure that the second fluid passage 94' terminates within the air volume regardless of the orientation of the device 10', the free end of the second fluid passage 94' is provided with a buoyancy member (not shown). The buoyancy member ensures that the free end of the second fluid passageway 94' floats above the surface of the water within the water storage container 12' or the additional container/chamber 92' (regardless of its orientation).

It should be understood that in embodiments where the device has a third fluid passage 98' between the additional container/chamber 92' and the water storage container 12', the end of the third fluid passage 98' that enters the water storage container 12' will also There is a buoyancy member (as described above with respect to the second fluid passage 94').

Operation of the device 10' and its internal components is achieved by much the same method as described above with respect to the first aspect of the invention. However, when the user operates the switch 80', the two-way valve 90' is moved from its second state to its first state and steam is allowed to flow to the cleaning head 50'.

When the user decides to finish using the device 10' (or indeed if there is a power failure to the device 10'), then the switch 80' (or due to a lack of power to the device 10') prevents the pump 30' from operating and removes the power to the heating element 20. ' of electricity supply. Furthermore, the lack of power supply to the two-way valve 90' ensures that the two-way valve 90' automatically moves to its second state to allow only hot water and/or steam to flow through the further passage 94' to the water storage container 12' or another Container/chamber 92'.

As mentioned above, the heating element 20' will take some time to lose its heat and thus any water contained within the housing for the heating element 20' will continue to be heated. Any excess hot water/steam will flow to the water storage container 12' or further container/chamber 92', rather than through the cleaning head 50' as in prior art devices. Therefore, the present invention is very advantageous over prior art devices, because it ensures that once the switch 80' is "closed", very little or even no hot water and/or steam continues to be sprayed from the cleaning head 50'. In prior art devices, hot water and/or steam typically continues to be sprayed for some time (usually at least 4 seconds) after the device has been "turned off", which may result in injury to the user. Even if no injury occurs, it is undesirable for the user to have water continuously ejected from the device.

It will be appreciated that the apparatus 10 according to the first aspect of the invention may comprise one or more or all of the features of the second aspect of the invention. Rather, it should also be understood that a device 10' according to the second aspect of the invention may comprise one or more or all of the features discussed in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

As used in the present description and claims, the terms "comprising" and "having" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or details are included. These terms are not to be interpreted as excluding the presence of other features, steps or components.

Features disclosed in the foregoing description or in the following claims or drawings, expressed in their concrete form, or in terms of means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining a disclosed result (where appropriate ) can be used alone or in any combination of these features to realize the present invention in various forms.

Claims (31)

1. A surface cleaning device comprising: water storage containers; steam generators, including heating elements; a pump for supplying water from the water storage container to the steam generator, wherein the pump and the steam generator are connected by a first fluid passage; a second fluid pathway for directing steam from the steam generator to a cleaning head or outlet port of the surface cleaning device; wherein said surface cleaning device comprises a first device for blocking said second fluid passage, said first device being movable between a blocked position and an unblocked position; and Wherein said surface cleaning apparatus includes a second device located within said first fluid passage, said second device allowing water to flow only in a direction towards said steam generator. 2. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first device is a valve. 3. Surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first device is a mechanically actuated valve, preferably a ball valve. 4. Surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first device is an electromechanically actuated valve, preferably a solenoid valve. 5. Surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second device is a valve, preferably a one-way valve. 6. Surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first fluid passage has a first portion between the pump and the second device, wherein the first portion is releasably connected to said pump and/or said second device. 7. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein the releasable connection comprises a protruding formation provided on the pump or the second device, which is received in the first fluid passageway. In the receiving formation on a part. 8. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein the releasable connection comprises a receiving formation disposed on the pump or the second device that receives the first portion of the first fluid passageway. Protruding formations/parts. 9. A surface cleaning device as claimed in any one of claims 6-8, wherein the releasable connection is provided as a push fit connection. 10. Surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 6-9, wherein the first portion of the first fluid passage is a tube. 11. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 10, wherein the tubing is a flexible tubing. 12. Surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface cleaning apparatus includes a user operable switch for controlling operation of the first device. 13. Surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface cleaning apparatus includes a user operable switch for controlling operation of the pump. 14. Surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface cleaning apparatus includes a user operable switch for controlling operation of the heating element. 15. Surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first device automatically moves to its blocking position when no power is supplied to the surface cleaning apparatus. 16. A surface cleaning device comprising: water storage containers; a steam generator comprising a heating element; a pump for supplying water from the water storage container to the steam generator; and a first fluid pathway for directing steam from the steam generator to a cleaning head or outlet port of the surface cleaning device; wherein said surface cleaning apparatus comprises a device movable between a first state and a second state, wherein in said first state said device allows steam to flow from said steam generator to said cleaning head or outlet aperture , and wherein in said second state said device only allows steam to flow from said steam generator to said water storage container or another container/chamber. 17. Surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a second fluid pathway connecting the device to the water storage container or the further container/chamber terminates at the water storage container/further container /in the upper part of the chamber. 18. Surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the second fluid pathway extends into the water storage container/further container/chamber and includes a buoyancy member connected thereto, preferably connected to its free end. 19. Surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the second fluid pathway connecting the device to the water storage container or the further container/chamber terminates in the water Parts of storage containers that do not contain water during normal use. 20. Surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 16-19, wherein the device is a valve. 21. Surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the device is a two-way valve. 22. Surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein the device is a mechanically actuated valve, preferably a ball valve. 23. Surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the device is an electromechanically actuated valve, preferably a solenoid valve. 24. Surface cleaning apparatus according to the preceding, wherein a further third fluid passage is provided for allowing water to flow from said further container/chamber to said water storage container. 25. Surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 16-24, wherein the surface cleaning apparatus includes a user operable switch for controlling operation of the apparatus. 26. The surface cleaning device of any one of claims 16-25, wherein the surface cleaning device includes a user operable switch for controlling operation of the pump. 27. The surface cleaning device of any one of claims 16-26, wherein the surface cleaning device includes a user operable switch for controlling operation of the heating element. 28. Surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 16-27, wherein the apparatus automatically moves to its second state when no power is supplied to the surface cleaning apparatus. 29. A surface cleaning device as claimed in any one of claims 1-15 having one or more or all of the features of a device as claimed in claims 16-28. 30. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings. 31. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or in the drawings.